Abstract: A coupon holder and presentation article comprises a band made of a flexible sheet material, such as paper and the like, that has a first planar surface and a second planar surface. The design includes a designation on the first planar surface that will imply a fold line, score or other like specification, to divide the first planar surface into plural zones, The second planar surface will reflect similar zones as the first planar surface. The band will be printed to include information and/or photographs, drawings, illustrations, graphics, and the like, about (but not limited to) any type of product, service, special offer, discount or coupon for any type of business.

Abstract: Advertising materials are provided for cooperative promotions. The materials consist of a set of coupons and a promotional piece or flare. Each coupon includes a back face with award structure information printed thereon and a front face with product advertising printed thereon. Each coupon entitles its purchaser to a substantial discount on a product, which discount exceeds the purchase price of the coupon. Multiple break-open windows are formed in the coupon and are movable between closed and open positions respectively concealing and revealing outcome-determining indicia. The indicia comprise symbol combinations and identify respective coupons as either losers or winners entitled to pre-determined awards. A cooperative promotional method utilizing the advertising materials is also disclosed.

Abstract: A shelf talker sheet includes a plurality of labels arranged head-to-head in a common sheet along a separation line. Each label has printing thereon inverted on opposite sides of the separation line.

Abstract: A user purchases a card and uses it to make pre-paid telephone calls via a telephone service provider system associated with the issuer of the card. After the account balance on the card is depleted, the user can present the card to a merchant or other party for redemption in the manner of a discount coupon for products or services.

Abstract: A method and article for advertising and promoting an institution or organization comprises providing a flag formed of a flexible material and having a portion thereof coated with a material which provides a smoother surface and greater retention of marks from a writing instrument. The flag includes a first indicia which includes the name of an institution or organization to be promoted and a second indicia which includes the picture or name of a person associated with the named institution or organization. The coated surface of the flag is adapted to receive and retain the signature of the person portrayed by the second indicia. A third indicia is carried on the flag which includes a textual expression of aggressive loyalty to the person and organization identified on the flag. The method for advertising and promoting the institution or organization includes the steps of providing a flag as described above and distributing it to a consumer.

Abstract: A mailing envelope with a plurality of inserts is made by imaging variable color indicia on both faces of a paper substrate and imaging sense marks, and reply indicia, on at least one face of the substrate. The sense marks are used to properly align and slit the substrate web into a web of pre-determined width (removing the sense marks), and then label portions are flexographically printed on the first face of the web with magnetic ink. Adhesive and a release liner (e.g. using transfer tape) are applied to the second face of the web at the label portions and the labels are die cut from the label portions. The web is cut into sheets of predetermined length, each sheet including at least one set of labels, and the sheet is buckle folded to form a folded sheet with a plurality of panels in the sheet, at least one panel having a set of labels.

Abstract: A magnetic card having a flexible magnetic sheet material bonded to a flexible card blank, the combined blank and magnetic sheet having a magnet panel defined by lines of weakness that allow a user to easily separate and remove the magnet panel from the rest of the magnetic card.

Abstract: An envelope sheet assembly for securing into a brochure or binder includes two sheets overlying one another so that the assembly is of uniform thickness to facilitate printing thereon. The envelope sheet assembly is preferably 81/2 inches by 11 inches in size, and the envelope is preferably 11 inches by 41/2 inches. Permanent pressure sensitive adhesive is employed to form the envelope and is applied to the sealing flap, with a removable strip to protect the adhesive coated flap. Perforations permit easy removal of the envelope from the assembly.

Abstract: A portable mirror suitable for storage in a credit card pocket which includes a generally sheet like flexible shatter resistant body having a reflective surface on one side of said sheet to provide a mirrored surface. The opposite rear unreflective surface of the mirror contains discretionary visible indicia. The mirror is rectangular in shape and has rounded or beveled corners with said mirror being up to 3/32 inches in thickness and having the general size of a credit card. The mirror body is made of a plastic material having a flexibility and elasticity sufficient to allow for repeated bending without breaking or losing its original shape.

Abstract: A holder assembly has a holder having at least a plurality of pockets. The pockets each have a transparent wall. A plurality of printed sheets are disposed in the pockets. Each sheet faces a respective wall. One or more inserts are disposed in the pockets between respective printed sheets and walls. The inserts each have an ink receptive layer and a support layer. The layers are transparent to visible light. The ink receptive layer can have a deposit of invisible ink that is an encodement of information that, preferably, relates to the respective printed sheet. Two or more holders assemblies can be bound together to provide an album.

Abstract: A sleeve label is fabricated from a sheet of polyethylene which is folded upon itself along two longitudinal fold lines with the overlying layers then being joined together along a seal line. The seal line is located so that the outer layer of the folded sheet forms an outer flap, which may be adhered to the body of the sleeve by a releasable adhesive strip. The outer flap can be printed to comprise a redeemable coupon, or it may be printed with detailed product information, or it may be configured to serve as a handle for the product. The label may also include a tubular header of small diameter, which can also serve as a coupon, or be printed with detailed product information, or configured to serve as a handle.

Abstract: A promotional mailing in the form of an envelope having an insert with a promotional message and a simulated reward item, i.e., an item which substantially simulates in shape, size and coloration an actual item having a recognizable, tenderable value, such as a postage stamp or currency. The simulated reward item is at least partially displayed through a window in the envelope such that a consumer viewing the envelope will perceive the simulated item to be an actual item having value. In order to access the simulated reward positioned in the envelope, the consumer must open the envelope, and is thereby more likely to be exposed to the promotional message conveyed by the insert in the envelope. The simulated reward item may be inexpensively printed directly on the sheet material of the insert. The simulated reward item may be enhanced to appear more like an actual reward item by embossing the sheet material to simulate edges on the reward item.

Abstract: A shopping reminder system which includes a label having an indicator element or sticker that is affixed to, and essentially a miniature replica of, a product label. The sticker is intended to be peeled from the label and attached to a shopping list. The indicator element bears the image, or indicia, of the consumer product to which it is affixed, and preferably has a non-drying adhesive backing that makes the indicator element removable, transferable, and reusable. Since the indicator element bears the exact image of the consumer product represented, this device enables a consumer to readily determine and consistently obtain the exact type of product needing replenishment. A method of using the shopping reminder system is also described.

Abstract: A wallet size card book which has been adapted to hold a card having the dimensions of a conventional credit card, and is particularly designed to be carried in the credit card compartment of a wallet or similar size compartment holder. The use of an adhesive strip extending along the marginal edges between a first and second leaf in the card book makes it possible to create a properly formed pocket for holding and protecting the card. The preferred adhesives for the strip include latexes of polyvinyl ethylene, polyvinyl acetate, other acrylics, and copolymers thereof. The preferred adhesive is a polyvinyl acetate copolymer latex having a glass transition temperature (Tg) approximately room temperature or below.

Abstract: A greeting card or keepsake card includes a formed, raised image, and it includes panels which protect the front and rear of the formed, raised image. In a preferred embodiment, the front panel of the card also includes an opening through which one can see the raised image when the card is closed, and the front panel includes a pocket on its inside surface for receiving a compact disk or other flat member. Also in a preferred embodiment, the formed, raised image is surrounded by a raised frame, and the raised image panel defines a flat rear perimeter.

Abstract: A coupon catalogue comprising a pack of equal sized cards which is readily concealable and carried on the person in a clothing pocket or a purse or a wallet, which can be fanned to expose all of the cards in the pack for simultaneous viewing, and which can be utilized to obtain complimentary goods and services without requiring that portions of the catalogue be torn, punched, marked, or located by using a table of contents in the coupon catalogue.

Abstract: A promotional one-piece mailer assembly having two layers of card stock. A release liner is sandwiched between the two layers of card stock. An integral card is formed within the first and second layers of card stock. A plurality of mini-coupons are detachably cut into the integral card through the second layer of card stock. The assembly is characterized by a series of score lines cut through the first and second layers of card stock and the liner and spaced from the peripheral edges of the first and second layers of card stock to completely define the card integrally disposed within the mailer assembly and to securely maintain the card within the mailer assembly.

Abstract: An improved booklet of the present invention comprises: (a) a cover having a fold which divides the cover into a front cover panel and a rear cover panel wherein each panel has an inner and an outer surface where at least one of said inner surfaces is vinyl treated latex saturated paper substrate; (b) a vinyl sheet heat sealed along three adjacent edges to said surface of said vinyl treated paper substrate thereby forming a pocket between said vinyl sheet and said vinyl treated paper substrate and further leaving one non-sealed edge; and (c) a plurality of leaves each attached along at least one marginal edge to the fold, the leaves forming pages in the booklet.

Abstract: An intelligent agent and its client communicate using a selector known by both parties to generate and interpret messages and thereby effectively disguise confidential information transmitted in the messages from third parties. Moreover, a neural network is used to implement the decision logic and/or the message disguising functions of an agent such that the logic employed in such functions is not readily reverse compiled or scanned by third parties.

Abstract: A direct response mailing includes a response card and a set of stamps. The response card has a pressure sensitive adhesive patterned and applied to certain fields of the response card and has removable members placed on top of the pressure sensitive adhesive. The sheet of stamps is perforated into the individual stamps and are entirely unsupported with no adhesive applied to them. To formulate a response, a resident removes a desired set of stamps from the sheet and also detaches the removable members from the response card. The resident then places each stamp into a preferred one of the fields on the response card. Although the stamps have no adhesive, the pressure sensitive adhesive on the response card secures the stamps to the card. The direct response mailing does not have a remoistenable gummed sheet of stamps and thus benefits from not requiring the resident to lick the stamps and also has the benefit of being less prone to water damage during delivery in the mail.

Abstract: A combination preselected medication sample prescription form, sample payment check, and medication sample regulating device includes a support panel having an obverse and a reverse surface and defines first, second and third portions thereof. An area for receiving written, printed or typed patient identification information is viewably applied over the obverse surface of the first portion which also includes a medication prescription form, the entire first portion being detachable from the adjacent second portion along a transverse tear line of weakness. The second portion, positioned on the support panel centrally between the first and third portions, includes manufacturer's product information printed on both the obverse and the reverse surfaces thereof. The third portion includes a preprinted payment check for a sample quantity or as a partial payment for a larger quantity of preselected medication.

Abstract: A pre-paid card for sending a gift such as flowers is sized to fit inside a wallet, having a front face with photographs or drawings with a plurality of pre-selected gift items and back face with warranty and instructional information, as well as a telephone access number and a PIN number which is unique to the card. A plurality of pre-selected items depicted on the front face of the card will each have a corresponding identifier number or code, so that the card user can easily select a gift item to be ordered.

Abstract: A sandpaper system with single sheet sandpaper having application coordinating indicia and legend printed thereon includes a first plurality of stacked single sandpaper sheets, wherein a first side of each sandpaper sheet of the first plurality has grit of a first size adhered thereto and has printed on a second side first indicia specifying the first grit size on one portion of the second side and a first application legend on a second portion of the second side specifying a series of grit size groupings wherein each grouping has an associated sanding application specified and wherein each grouping includes a predetermined range of grit sizes exclusive of the other groupings and the first indicia corresponds to only a first one of the groupings, and a second plurality of stacked single sandpaper sheets, wherein a first side of each sandpaper sheet of the second plurality has grit of a second size different from the first grit size which is adhered thereto and has printed on a second side second indicia speci

Abstract: With a self adhesive base, the informational brochure can be affixed to direct mail, company literature, etc as well as to the back of a business card. An innovative piece designed with the intention of allowing the user to attach the informational brochure to the back of a standard size business card. This provides a very easy and flexible means of storing product or corporate information as well as keeping it organized without taking up much space. You simply peel off the adhesive label on the back of the informational device and attach it to any existing business card. The informational device folds down to a size of just 17/8".times.33/8" and contains up to nine panels or individual pages of four color information.

Abstract: A combination preselected medication sample prescription form, sample payment check, and medication sample regulating device includes a support panel having an obverse or front facing surface which defines a first and second portion thereof. An area for receiving written, printed or typed patient identification information is viewably applied over the first portion and a removable medication prescription form is attached over the second portion of the support panel. The second portion includes a preprinted payment check for a sample quantity or as a partial payment for a larger quantity of preselected medication. This combination permits the physician to simultaneously begin the process of distributing a sample quantity of the preselected medication and to write a prescription for any quantity therefor. The preferred embodiment also includes a manufacturers product information sheet removably attached to either the support panel or the prescription form, or between both.

Abstract: A cosmetic sampler package comprising a slurry of cosmetic and solvent which is printed onto a transparent or translucent film overlay. The film overlay includes opaque portions printed in the negative image of the desired design on the surface opposite that of the cosmetic, so as to form a display window for viewing the cosmetic sample. A perimeter adhesive may be printed on the film overlay around the sample and a protective backing is sealed to the film. The entire surface of the protective backing which faces the cosmetic sample is covered with a texturized layer of flocked fabric fibers so that the backing may be used as an applicator for the cosmetic sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a data carrier (1) having microencapsulated scents and to a method for producing it. The data carrier (1), which is generally made of an unabsorptive material, is in particular a telephone card, identity card or the like. The microencapsulated scents are applied to the data carrier (1) with a coating material in a mixture ratio or layer thickness such that at least some of the microcapsules (4) are accessible on the surface of the coating. After being applied to the data carrier (1) the coating material hardens by polymerization or another chemical reaction. The coating material is applied as a priming layer (5) or/and as an information layer (2) or/and as a transparent cover layer. Application takes place on one or both sides of the data carrier (1) over part of the area or all over.

Abstract: A folding carton or box is provided with a detachable panel preferably in the form of a business reply card. An informational brochure or pamphlet is suitably secured between the outside front panel of the box and the detachable panel or business reply card. The detachable panel is folded over the informational material and the open end of the detachable panel is secured down to the box by seals. To gain access to the information an end user need simply to break the seals. The detachable panel or business reply card can then be simply removed from the box and returned to the manufacturer or company.

Abstract: A multiple panel brochure includes an outside carrier sheet folded to provide three equal sized panels wherein a middle panel of the carrier sheet includes separate interior panels affixed thereto. The outside panels of the carrier sheet fold over the interior panels and one another. A method for manufacture of the brochure is disclosed utilizing a web printed on one or both sides and which is subsequently cut to form the panels that are then joined together.

Abstract: A device and method for displaying advertising materials to a potential purchaser coincident with the making of a financial transaction by the purchaser. The device comprises at least one transaction recording card sized to attach to and conform to dimensions of a standard credit or debit card and includes a format for making a record of a transaction associated with the purchaser. Third party advertising material is placed on the recording card in a format which may be viewed by the purchaser at a time and place of making the record of the transaction.

Abstract: An advertisement page for binding to or within a publication, comprising a first opposing layer; a second opposing layer attached to the first opposing layer; and a sample material disposed between the first and second opposing layers, wherein an edge of the advertisement page is flush with the outside edge of the pages of the publication. The present invention also relates to an advertisement page with offset and attachment characteristics which allow it to be bound within a publication such that an edge of the advertisement page is flush with the outside edge of the pages of the publication, wherein sample material is maintained between two opposing layers formed from one continuous sheet which has been folded and which may be trimmed at the fold line. The present invention also relates to methods of making such advertisement pages.

Abstract: A carrier card of standardized size has a base body with at least one cutout for receiving a value chip. The cutout has securing elements forming a snap connection for detachably securing the value chip. The cutout is positioned such on the base body of the carrier card that the value chip in the cutout is usable with standardized application devices. The value chip is removable so as to be used as a minichip card with processing devices that are smaller than the application devices. The cutout has wave-shaped edges with alternating projections and depressions. The base body has a bore for each one of the projections, wherein each one of the bores is arranged perpendicular to the respective projection such that an elastic stay is formed. A cover foil is connected to one face of the base body so as to cover the cutout. At least one of the wave-shaped edges is undercut such that the cutout widens toward the cover foil.

Abstract: A method of systematizing a process for a user, in which the process has steps. Each step has a corresponding tab. The user sequentially performs the steps of the process in a sequence defined by an order of tabs. One step is linked to a subsequent step. Performing the step will affect the subsequent step.

Abstract: A technique for customizing purchase incentives, such as discount coupons and the like, based on whether a consumer buys a promoted item or a competitive item, and on the price of the promoted item relative to the competitive item. The system identifies promoted or competitive products in a consumer's order, and selects an incentive that is appropriate for the price differential between the promoted and competitive items, and for the purchase choice already made between the promoted and competitive items. a different incentive is provided for the different pricing and choice combinations, in an effort to maximize sales for the promoted item, and the different incentives are stored in an incentive matrix accessed by product purchased and by consumer profile as determined from whether the consumer bought the more expensive item, the less expensive item, or one of two equally priced items.

Abstract: An integrated shelf talker, comprising a paper substrate having a front surface and a back surface, each of the front and back surfaces having first and second end edges and a medially disposed portion, the substrate having a vertical perforation along the entire length thereof and located in the medial portion of the front and back surfaces to divide the substrate into first and second sections, the substrate further having a strip of repositionable adhesive applied to the medial portion of one of the front and back surfaces such that when the substrate is separated into the first and second sections along the vertical perforation, each of the first and second end edges is free of adhesive.

Abstract: A printed advertising device is formed by folding a sheet to enclose a pop-up insert. The pop-up insert is a folded sheet that is initially retained within the advertising device by a novel arrangement, but "pops-up" when the advertising device is accessed to gain the attention of the person opening the device. The advertising device is created by several manipulations of a web, such as folding and applying adhesive using web printing equipment. The advertising device may be a mailing device, a magazine insert or a stand-alone circular.

Abstract: Sampling device for marketing a drug by a pharmaceutical company includes multiple segments. One segment includes the drug to be sampled and another segment includes preprinted indicia on one side providing prescribing information for a prescriber of the drug and an adhesive layer on the other side for attachment to a patient's medical chart maintained by the prescriber of the drug. A method of sampling a drug employing the above described sampling device also forms a part of this invention.

Abstract: A paper product, such as an advertising brochure, a cover or the like, is formed by using the novel method of the present invention. In the present method, a continuous moving web of paper is provided. The web is longitudinally slit at positions offset to one side of a longitudinal axis of the web, preferably a centerline axis, at spaced positions to form a plurality of longitudinal slits which are separated from each other by a continuous portion of the web. Thereafter, adhesive is deposited on the web at a position offset from the longitudinal slit, and preferably along a side margin of the web. A first portion of the web is folded over onto a second portion of the web along a fold line at a position between the longitudinal slit and the adhesive. Next, the first portion is secured to the second portion by the adhesive to form a secured section. The longitudinal slit is thereafter positioned between the secured section and the fold line.

Abstract: A message calendar for suggesting engaging in specified activities on a selected day in the future. The calendar has a main panel bearing indicia corresponding to all days and months of a calendar year. Masks are removably placed on the calendar to indicate a selected activity and a selected day. Each mask is configured to bear a pictorial device symbolic of the intended activity. Each mask has an opening for revealing indicia corresponding to the selected day and for concealing indicia corresponding to adjacent days. Additionally, removably adhered members bearing messages rendered in written languages may be adhered to further comment on proposed activities. The calendar includes a clock face having movable hands and an area devoid of indicia for storing masks and members bearing written messages by adherence.

Abstract: A card display package and method for manufacturing same is provided. The card package includes a card carrier constructed of a synthetic sheet of paper laminated with a plastic material. The card package further includes a card constructed of the synthetic sheet of paper and laminated with the plastic material and having at least a portion of the card projecting from the card carrier. The card is integrally formed with and selectively detachable from the card carrier and is provided with an encodable magnetic strip extending transversely across the portion of the card projecting from the card carrier whereby the card may be swiped through an encoding device without removing the card from the card carrier.

Abstract: A cosmetic sampler comprising three panels connected to each other via scored hinges. There is an application tip cut into the second or middle panel that extends upward from a first end panel when the middle and first end panels are folded against each other. A single dose of a cosmetic product is deposited on the tip. A third end panel extends from the middle panel and has a hole cut therethrough. The hole directly overlies the tip when the third end panel is folded over the other two panels so the cosmetic is visible through the hole. The sampler is maintained in a folded state where the third end panel overlies the other two panels until the sampler is used. At this point, the sampler is opened and the first end panel is folded back from the middle panel to allow the user to apply cosmetic from the tip directly to their skin.

Abstract: An advertisement page for binding to or within a publication, comprising a first opposing layer; a second opposing layer attached to the first opposing layer; and a sample material disposed between the first and second opposing layers, wherein an edge of the advertisement page is flush with the outside edge of the pages of the publication. The present invention also relates to an advertisement page with offset and attachment characteristics which allow it to be bound within a publication such that an edge of the advertisement page is flush with the outside edge of the pages of the publication, wherein sample material is maintained between two opposing layers formed from one continuous sheet which has been folded and which may be trimmed at the fold line. The present invention also relates to methods of making such advertisement pages.

Abstract: The invention relates a combined sample dispenser and order form comprising a backing sheet that may be prepared from cardboard, and a generally planar retaining member, such as a clear plastic sheet, attached to the backing sheet along at least a portion thereof. The retaining member or plastic sheet defines a distention or pocket along a portion of its broad surface, that may contain samples of the product being dispensed, such as sample medications provided to physicians by pharmaceutical manufacturers. The invention is also useful for the sale of certain consumable items, including hardware, where the order form may be used by the consumer to directly request additional quantities of the product.

Abstract: An improved device for storing and organizing coupons which comprises a ringed binder that contains a number of panel inserts. Each panel having two or more columns of variously sized, transparent pockets disposed thereon. An additional, upper pocket is attached to a flexible piece at the inside cover of the organizer. The upper pocket may be extended to a position outside the binder to increase visibility and accessibility of certain items. Index tabs are provided on additional panels to facilitate organization of stored items. Desired items may therefore be accessed quickly and without the need to remove or sift through other items.

Abstract: An inexpensive mailing envelope with a window opening to which a decorative image-bearing sheet member is attached. The image-bearing sheet member may be transparent or semi-opaque, partially revealing the contents of the said envelope. The inclusion of a decorative image visible from the outside of the envelope induces mailing recipients to open the envelope and examine the contents inserted therein. The window opening may be placed on the rear panel of the envelope, opposite the panel displaying address information. The image-bearing sheet material may be detachable and may be promoted as a gift.

Abstract: A card has a printed face, a back, and a fold line which divides the card into a main portion and a flap which is foldable over the fold line so that the back of the flap is flush with the back of the main portion and the face of the card has the shape and appearance of a conventional business card. An adhesive layer is disposed on the back of the card so that with the flap open the adhesive may be exposed and the card removably adhered to a smooth vertical surface, juxtaposing the face of the flap and an auxiliary message printed upon the same with the face of the main portion. Removal of the card from the surface and either folding of the flap or separation of the same from the main portion converts the card back to one which has a face that has the shape and appearance of a conventional business card.

Abstract: A method for recognizing and rewarding individual contributions is disclosed as including the steps of: (1) obtaining a recognition assembly adapted to removably retain a retaining member comprising at least one award seal, the award seal having a predetermined value; (2) personalizing the recognition assembly for a qualified recipient; (3) presenting the recognition assembly to the qualified recipient; (4) removing one or more award seals from the retaining member of the recognition assembly; and (5) redeeming one or more award seals for comparably valued merchandise or services. Correspondingly, the step of formulating goals and objectives in an attempt to target certain desirable behaviors from the qualified recipient may be included.

Abstract: A display strip for a CD jukebox which includes the artwork from a CD jacket along with a list of titles associated with the CD is constructed on a single piece of paper. A method for constructing the CD jukebox display strip includes the steps of scanning a graphic image of a CD jacket, editing the scanned image, overlaying the image onto a template, inserting song track and title information, printing the image and trimming the image to size.

Abstract: A postcard comprising a generally planar portion having a front face adapted to receive and hold a photographic print, the postcard further comprising a stand extendible from the reverse face of the planar portion and operable to permit the planar portion to be stood on its side.

Abstract: A self-contained, electronic message-emitting device in the form of a talking business card for providing a recorded message. The talking business card includes a card holding member having a base member and opposite side wall members thereon which form a first receiving channel on one side and a second receiving channel on the opposite side for slidably receiving therein the opposite sides of the business card. The base member includes a compartment for receiving an electronic message emitting assembly. The electronic message emitting assembly includes an electronic voice microchip for recording a message, a record button to initiate and activate the voice microchip to record a given message and/or sound, a play back button to play back the given message and/or sound for audio listening by the user, and a power source component for energizing the voice microchip. The business card holding member may be made of plastic or metal.